Level AAASince WCAG 2.0
1.4.8 Visual Presentation
Guideline 1.4: Distinguishable – Content is easy to see and hear: contrast, size, spacing.
What does the rule require?
People can set up blocks of text so they are comfortable to read: their own colours, at most 80 characters per line, not justified, line spacing of at least 1.5, larger paragraph spacing, and 200% enlargement without sideways scrolling.
How to get it right
Limit line length with max-width: 70ch, set line-height: 1.5 and align text left.
Who benefits most?
- People with low vision
- People with cognitive disabilities
Official wording
This page explains the rule in simple words. Only the original W3C text is normative.
- “Understanding Visual Presentation” at W3C (external site)
- Techniques in the WCAG Quick Reference (external site)